In a landmark move for the gaming and blockchain space, Neon Machine, a notable game studio headquartered in Seattle, has successfully wrapped up its Series A funding. The promising first-person sci-fi extraction shooter, ‘Shrapnel,’ is at the epicenter of this development.
Polychain Takes the Lead in Funding Effort
Polychain Capital took the initiative in leading Neon Machine’s funding, bringing together an ensemble of investors. Griffin Gaming Partners, Brevan Howard Digital, Franklin Templeton, IOSG Ventures, and Tess Ventures were among the key collaborators in this funding event.
Shrapnel’s Journey Ahead
With an additional $20 million in their coffers, the focus now shifts to the forthcoming phases of ‘Shrapnel.’ The game is currently in its final stages of preparation for its early-access release in December, with an official launch planned for 2024. Neon Machine’s CEO, Mark Long, emphasized the urgency of the moment, stating, “This investment comes at a pivotal juncture as we aim to redefine the standard gaming narrative.”
Mark Long further elaborated on the studio’s vision: “Our aspiration has always been to elevate the gaming experience. With ‘Shrapnel,’ players won’t just engage but will also have the privilege of ownership and creativity in terms of in-game assets.”
NFTs and Blockchain: A Game-Changer
‘Shrapnel’ stands out for its integration of blockchain technology, particularly its association with Avalanche. Players can anticipate a variety of in-game assets, from weapon enhancements to cosmetics, all available as NFTs on the game’s dedicated Avalanche subnet.
Earlier this year, Neon Machine introduced the ERC-20 token, SHRAP, further solidifying its position in the blockchain domain. This free-to-play game not only promotes individual and team-based gameplay but also emphasizes user-driven content, granting players the power to create and mint their game items as NFTs.
Josh Rosenthal, a partner at Polychain Capital, remarked, “Witnessing ‘Shrapnel’s’ journey is thrilling, especially as it paves the way for advanced player interaction via blockchain.”
Echoing his sentiments, Jocy Lin of IOSG Ventures commented on the game’s promise in reshaping the gaming landscape through blockchain integration.
Neon Machine: From Humble Beginnings
It’s intriguing to trace back Neon Machine’s origins to HBO Interactive. Over time, the studio ventured out independently, garnering $10.5 million in seed funding in 2021, publishing comic series, and launching a distinctive NFT collection. Cumulatively, Neon Machine has secured an impressive $37.5 million through various fundraising initiatives.
Final Thoughts
With a potent combination of immersive gaming, blockchain technology, and a robust financial foundation, Neon Machine’s ‘Shrapnel’ is poised to set a new benchmark in the gaming industry.
